Author and weddings expert Cara Davis shares a few of her favorite tips for throwing an upstairs-style wedding on a downstairs-size budget.

The wedding of the season appears to be that of Downton Abbey‘s Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley. The popularity of the series has brought about a renewed interest in 20s-era fashion, as evidenced by the spring 2013 bridal collection from Jenny Packham and the fall 2013 styles of Sarah Seven.

If the grandeur of the Granthams has you dreaming of vintage touches and ornate headpieces, consider these seven must-haves for a Downton-themed garden wedding.

1. The Venue
Shop around for an all-inclusive wedding package at a bed-and-breakfast, historic mansion, or botanical garden. Package deals can be very affordable, and the more options included, the fewer planning headaches for you. A church ceremony is perfectly suited for a Downton theme, and you can even get away with a quiet reception of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres afterward. [Read more...]